You’ve heard of Cedar Point, Six Flags, and of course Disney Land, but did you know there is an amusement park that came before all of them? Did you know it happens to be in Indiana? Santa Claus, Indiana to be exact. What better place to have a theme park dedicated to your favorite holidays? Holiday World was born in 1946 and has brought families joy for the last 78 years. Louis J. Koch created Holiday World for all the children who visit Santa Claus Indiana and were disappointed when they discovered Santa was not there. 

For the Littles

Let’s start with Christmas, which is geared toward younger visitors. Christmas World has 7 attractions, including Comet’s Rockets and Prancer’s Merry-Go-Round. Swing by Santa’s Merry Market Place, grab something to eat, and top it off with a sweet treat at Sugarplum Scoop Shoppe. 

The 4th of July portion of the park is also for the family's younger members. Ride the Eagles Flight, or have fun paddling the Tippecanoes. They have old-time favorites like the Bone Rattling Bumper cars and Star Spangled Carousel. The food in this section is all-American: Hot Dogs, Chicken Tenders, funnel cakes and so much more. 

For the Thrill Seekers

The Thanksgiving section of the park was introduced in 2006 and hosts three must-ride coasters. The Voyage is 1.2 miles long and has three sections of extreme, 90-degree banking and five underground tunnels. The Thunderbird launches riders from zero to 60 miles per hour in just 3.5 seconds. It’s a winged coaster, meaning riders fly through the air next to the track, with nothing above or below! Always thinking about your favorite Thanksgiving foods? Then stop by the Plymouth Rock Cafe where they serve traditional Thanksgiving meals every day. The adults can check out Plymouth on the Rocks for wine seltzers and craft beer. 

Last but not least, Halloween. This section of the park has two more wooden coasters that will be sure to make you scream. The Raven, named after the famous Edgar Allen Poe poem, is a fan favorite for its low swoop over Lake Rudolph, surprise fifth drop, and extreme finish. The Legend is known for its lateral G-Forces and 113-foot drop.  Be sure to grab a gourmet burger at Goblin Burgers and a drink at The Witches Brew. 

Splashin’ Safari Water Park 

If you are not a fan of rollercoasters then check out Splashin’ Safari Water Park! A wave pool, lazy river, 3 water coasters, and tons of other activities for the whole family. Their water coaster Wildebeest was voted the World’s #1 Water Park Ride for 12 straight years. It lost its place to the park’s Mammoth water coaster in 2023. Splashin’ Safari and Holiday World offer free unlimited soft drinks to keep you refreshed for your entire visit. 

Hidden in the Heartland 

Holiday World is centrally located in the Midwest (three hours from Indianapolis, St. Louis, Cincinnati, and Nashville) making it the perfect weekend getaway for lots of people. They take Midwest hospitality seriously. Splashin’ Safari and Holiday World offer free unlimited soft drinks to keep you refreshed for your entire visit, free sunscreen and free parking. Grab your tickets online for a discounted price and celebrate all your favorite holidays in one place at Holiday World!